September/October, 2020 Affaire de Coeur Bringing You Honest Reviews Since 1980
Get Inspired by Maria Meier,-- A Woman Who Never Gives Up
Reviews! Reviews! Reviews!
Affaire de Coeur 1 Affaire de Coeur The Staff
Editorial Director Louise B. Snead
Editor in Chief Lanelle Brent
President of Advertising and Marketing Pamela Ackerson
Founder and ROM-CON Director Barbara N. Keenan
Literary Reviewers Mildred Burkett • Lauren Calder • Marcia Caltabiano-Ponce • Martin Chan • Lettetia Elsasser • Sheila Griffin • Danielle Hill • Lacy Hill • Tina Jones • Lani Roberts • Kathye Q • Rebel • Hannah Rowen • Paul Zunino
Affaire de Coeur is published bi-monthly at 3976 Oak Hill Road, Oakland, California 94605-4931 Telephone (510) 569-5675 Fax (510) 632-8868: Email address: [email protected] Affaire de Coeur Inc #039-3881. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission. All books and material reviewed by this publication have been read by the reviewer, and the opinions expressed are those of the review- er. Release dates and prices are subject to change by the publisher without notice.
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2 Affaire de Coeur C O N T E N T S September/October, 2020
Departments and Columnss Articles Puzzler 18
Contemporary Romance Reviews 20 Journal Writing is Fun! by AdC’s own Pamela Ackerson 4 Historical Romance Reviews 22 Editorial 7 Paranormal Romance Reviews 24 The First Spotlight is on Maria Meier 8 Mystery Reviews 26 Romantic Traveling—Costa Rica 12 Audio Reviews 28 The Second Spotlight is on Pam Binder 16
Booty from the Other Genre 30
Late Reviews 32
Children’s Reads 34
Affaire de Coeur 3 Journal Writing is Fun Pamela Ackerson
Journal writing is a great way to: Organize your thoughts List appointments and plans Improve your writing skills Ancestry information Stir up creativity Vacation/travel writing Engage in self-reflection Relieve stress Have a collection of sketches or drawings Write lyrics Poetry Ideas House plans Decorating dreams Exercise regime and journal Goals Weekly growth documentation for your child or your- self Journal writing can be personal; it’s where you put your inner most thoughts and dreams. It can be a place to enjoy favorite quotes from inspirational authors, the Bible, songs, etc. Multiple thoughts ramble around in our heads, and some of us need to put it down on paper. That way those thought don’t feel like they keep knocking at the side of our ears as a reminder.
4 Affaire de Coeur positive expectations, and encourage for you. Pick a spot where you are most Some to-do lists can get pretty positive living. comfortable. long, and having a place to put them, Fun Fortune Cookie Wis- If you need it to be more sched- along with the satisfaction of being able dom sprinkled throughout the journal. uled, pick a time of day, and preferred to cross them off—sublime! Grab your journal today. It’s easy, and very effective. It days of the week and that’s when you helps cope with anxiety, and writing re- take the time to reflect and write, as you lieves the feelings of stress. It can help want, at the pace you want. Make it a to follow through on recovery and clear part of your agenda, something you can the mind. look forward to each day or week. Of course, having a really cute Once you start writing, give notebook that shows your personality is yourself up to any distractions and a plus. Writing is a great way to express focus on what you want to write. Don’t yourself in a personal place. get upset if ‘life’ interrupts you. Just How do you start a journal? focus when you need to. First things first…don’t worry So grab yourself a cute journal about your spelling, or grammar. Who and write away! And, they make awe- cares? It’s for you. If you want to fix it, some gifts, too. fix it, if not, bah, don’t worry about it! A little bit of Fortune Cookie Just write and let the words Wisdom and pages for you to fill in the flow the way you want it to. No need Blanks. for perfection. If you need to do it on a Journaling can help improve schedule, go for it. If you want to write mental health and happiness, provide a random notes to yourself throughout the creative outlet, and give a perfect place day, do it. It’s yours to do as you wish. to record life’s precious events. Write If you relax better in the morn- personal notes, thoughts, and reflec- ing with coffee, then do it at that time. tions. It’s perfect for self-guidance to If you prefer the evenings, then that’s strengthen your faith, and give yourself Affaire de Coeur 5 6 Affaire de Coeur Editorial by Louise B. Snead
With November rapidly coming toward us, I do not have that much to say. Plan your vote.
Affaire de Coeur 7 Spotlight Interview The Spotlight is on...Maria Meier
Maria Papalia-Meier is a fighter. She may have been KO’d, and down for the count, but she proved them wrong. I Am a Runner is about surviving sepsis, a coma, and amputation. Maria has a BBA with an emphasis in Human Resources and has worked for Fed-Ex for twenty years. As an ath- lete, she has many accomplishments. Before her battle with the river of death, she’d competed and ran in multiple 5K’s. She was told she’d never run again. She proved the naysayers wrong. Her athletic accomplishments include running in a 5K and two half marathons. I Am a Runner - the Memoirs of a Sepsis Survivor is available in print and e-book.
AdC: When you decided to write this AdC: What would you like to say to memoir, what was the process you had people who are struggling right now to go through? with their own battles? MPM: When I decided I wanted to MPM: You have to take things day write my memoir, I started putting by day. I came up with the saying notes together. I started gathering facts, “celebrate the little victories in life. going thru old posts to come up with a Those can lead to the biggest changes.” timeline of events. I had to rely on other Because when I was focused on what I individual’s information for the time wasn’t doing (mainly running) instead I was in my coma, so I used the letter of focusing on the little things I was my husband wrote detailing the daily doing—walking, washing my own hair, events, and wrote family and friends making my own lunch, dressing my- asking them for information. self… Once my mindset changed and I realized I was becoming more and more I then put it all in date order and put it independent, I began to celebrate those in a binder. I took my notes and inserted little steps I was making. That is when them where they went so I had a binder my life changed and little by little, those of my story but no one to give it to. I little goals helped me reach my larger was blessed to find Pam; she is the sis- didn’t have anyone monitoring me to goal. ter of a gentleman I used to work with make sure my vitals were ok and my in Atlanta. blood work was normal. I was weak, AdC: What is a perfect running day? didn’t feel like eating and was focused MPM: 90 degrees and humid. LOL AdC: How long did it take you from on all that I had lost instead of what My feet don’t like it but I do. I would start to finish? I had been blessed with, which was a say they are all good honestly. God has MPM: A year. second chance. I had trouble eating, I blessed me with a second chance and couldn’t shower because of my feet, and answered my prayers, which was for me AdC: Tell us about the ups-and- I was dependent on everyone for any- to have the ability to run again. No day downs you had to face the first few thing I needed. I had my toes attached is going to be perfect, but any day I can months after being released from the still and had to face daily bandage lace up my sneakers and go for a run is hospital. changes, which was not fun. I felt like a a blessing. lump in the chair whose whole life was MPM: When I first came home, I was different, and, at the time, I didn’t think nervous. For the first time in a while, I in a good way.
8 Affaire de Coeur AdC: When did you decide to train for a marathon? AdC: Do you have any words of wis- MPM: I have wanted to do it for a dom you’d like to pass on? while. I have done a few 1/2 marathons MPM: You can accomplish anything and really had an itch to do a full. I you set your mind to. Sometimes ob- want to see what I can do; I want a stacles we place on ourselves are ones new goal to attain. If I don’t try, I have that are told to us by others or we place already failed. on ourselves. When you remove those obstacles then you can really move for- AdC: Will you be attending any speak- ward and reach your goals. Start small ing engagements, book signings, or and little by little, you will reach your conventions in 2020 and 2021? larger goal. Nothing worth working for is ever easy, MPM: I don’t have anything planned yet. I have done a number of podcast AdC: Please give us the following con- Facebook thetoelessrunner and would love to do more. In person tact information: events will all depend on COVID and what things look like. Personal web page. www.thetoelessrun- AdC: Where can people find your ner.com. book? Twitter @PapaliaMeier MPM: My book is currently for sale on Amazon. Instagram @PapaliaMeier
Affaire de Coeur 9 An Affaire de Coeur When he arrived home, I told him how terrible I was feeling and whimpered about how I was dying. I called the doctor, and he recommended a visit if there wasn’t any improvement. Sneak Peek A good night’s rest would help. The symptoms started getting worse. Myatt came home early from work, and we went to the doctor. I was I am a Runner in severe pain and extremely weak. I had “You’ll never be able to run a hard time walking and needed to rest again.” a few times before making it to the doc- From running half marathons to tor’s office. being the sickest person in the hospital, I was slightly feverish, and my Maria Papalia-Meier fought the river of head was throbbing. My throat burned, death, and won. and my muscles and bones ached. They A riveting true story of a young were screaming at me. Of course, all of healthy woman who enters the emer- this was topped with exhaustion. gency room of the hospital for what she I was groaning and was short considered a minor infection and was of breath. I could tell by the look on his suddenly fighting death from sepsis.I face he thought I was exaggerating. I un- would have heart-wrenching nightmares am a Runner shows the strong passion- derstand his attitude. he’d find a woman nicer than me, who ate hope she and her family fought in Prior behavior on my part for many years treated him better, and then he’d forget the darkest moments of their lives. was to embellish my illnesses. I hated about me, and all the magnificent times After enduring sepsis, heart failure, a being sick, so I was always ‘dying’. So we had together. coma, multiple surgeries, and a multi- when I moaned, he took it as typical me A statistician will tell you dying tude of health issues, she faced the re- dramatizing my illness. is a numbers game. They throw percent- covery process with strength and faith. Myatt helped me walk to the ages out there for us to see with every Maria Papalia-Meier rose from office. My legs were laden with unseen medicine commercial and doctor’s eval- the tragedy and transformed the nega- lead, my head felt like a vice was clasped uation. tive into positive action. She fought the to my temples, and I attempted to sit in It couldn’t be my number hitting misguided doomsayers with a steadfast the elevator. I was deteriorating with the reaper’s roulette table. dynamic vision, allowing a new and each assisted step, shaking and feeble We had no clue I really was on the brink better future for herself and her family. with each pain-wracking movement. I remember laying my head on of death. Excerpt: Myatt’s lap. I think that’s when he knew They took my temperature and I was really out of sorts. They took me did a strep test. Tuesday morning I decided I to a room right away so I could lie down They had trouble getting my was in no condition to go to work. I re- while I was waiting for the doctor. blood pressure. ceived a few calls on my work cell phone I figured I was dehydrated. The The doctor ordered an oxygen and answered a few. doctor would hook up an IV and I’d be mask, and an ambulance was called. I remember saying I was unwell sent home. Things got a bit foggy from and telling them to speak with someone I placed an aberrant effect on my there. else. It was out of character for me. positive attitude. It created an imagined I asked the ambulance paramed- I stayed in bed, in pain and phobia causing anxiety and trepidation. ic, “Am I going to die? Please don’t let moaning because I couldn’t get comfort- My imagination took over, and I was in me die.” able. I decided to take a warm shower. trouble. My last memories were being My legs were stiff. My body Unfortunately, this time I wasn’t rolled into the ambulance. shook as I leaned onto the tile wall. I aggrandizing the pain and discomfort. could barely stand. I had piteous visions I have a fear of dying. I don’t of paramedics rescuing me as I lay naked want to leave my kids, my family, nor in the shower. I managed to sit on the lit- my husband. I certainly, as selfish as it tle ledge. sounds, didn’t want him finding some- Myatt was at work, but I cried one else to love. My insecurities would for him, thinking how much having the creep out from their negative abyss, and I flu sucked. 10 Affaire de Coeur Affaire de Coeur 11 Romantic Traveling Costa Rica
picked Costa Rica because three here are so many nice things about Costa Rica that it’s hard to know of my children had been there, where to start. It is a mostly Spanish speaking country, and I would and I hadn’t. My friend, author suggest you have some knowledge of their language. Among the five of La Florya Gauthier and her hubby us who went, none of us were fluent; some of us had studied Spanish, but Ivacation at Jaco Beach every year in Tnot nearly enough. There are plenty of natives there who speak English, but it is January to avoid the cold Montreal win- arrogant for us Americans to assume that everyone does. If you really want trouble ter. They love it there. So I thought it trying to communicate, there are still some Costa Ricans who are aboriginal and was time for me to check it out and see speak Bribri or one of the other regional languages. what was so alluring about this coun- Because Costa Rica is in the Tropical zone, there is a rain forest with all try. With a poor recall of unrelatable the exotic plants and animals that go with it. It’s also a country of tropical climate geography (places I knew I never would and constantly warm, no matter where you go. And, it rains. get to), I had only the vaguest idea of The capital of Costa Rica is San José. Though many venues are closed where Costa Rica was. Had I known, I would have planned better. Costa Rica is only a few hours’ ride to Panama, and I would have loved to see the Panama Canal. But this is a trip you have to plan for. Consequently, I missed it. For the record, Costa Rica is a Central Ameri- can country with Panama south of it and Nicaragua north of it. Its in the tropical zone and on once side is the Pacific Ocena and the other side the Caribbean Sea.
This dude meets you at the beginning of the Jade Museum
and souvenirs places to leave your cash. Life-like figures like these show early pre-in- The currency of Costa Rica is the colon, vasion history though in many places the American variety of museums are locat- dollar is accepted. To help with the ed in downtown San Jose--the conversion between colons and dollars, Gold, Pre-Columbian, and the I recommend an app on the cell phone Jade museum. We picked the called Currency Converter. Or put AJade Museum, and we were not sorry we everything on your credit card, and let did. It’s three-four stories of beauty--ar- them figure it out. post-Christmas, there are still more than tifacts, painting, and displays--which all enough places to go in downtown San happen to be educational as well. One Jose. Restaurants abound and the food can follow the culture of the original is delicious. There are numerous shops occupants of Costa Rica without having 12 Affaire de Coeur Visitors aboud at the Irazu Volcano Taken from the road on the way down from the volcano no. If you’re like me and haven’t seen a volcano up close, this to imagine what it was like because it’s all displayed for you. was grand. At Irazu, there are two very large volcano pits, The tour of the museum can take as long or as short as you neither of which was active when we were there. The funny want it to be. There are so many magnificent things there, I thing is while you can feel yourself going up, you have no suggest you take your time. The cost of entering the museum idea how high in the mountains you are until the return trip. was around $20 per person and worth every bit of it. (If there It is surreal in that you are constantly looking down at the was a senior discount, I did not know enough Spanish to in- clouds. quire about it. Besides, I’m much too young to qualify for it.) he next stop of our agenda was Limon on the f it’s volcanoes you want to see, you can certainly find Caribbean side of Costa Rica. For that, we had to them. We went to the Irazu Volcano. For that, we hired take a bus trip. I think the round trip was less than a van, and it took us about three hours to get there. You $30 per person, and the ride was great in that you have to pay the park entrance fee whether you’re on foot Tcould see a change of the terrain as you rode. I have to admit, Ior in a motor vehicle, and then you must pay to see the volca- the Caribbean side was livelier, but maybe that was because Affaire de Coeur 13 The Caribbean Side of Costa Rica
Black Sands of Limon
idea why any of this happened. Our hostel here is no way I would go to a rain forest country and not see the animals. At the end of our trip, we went to LaPaz Tto the Wildlife Refuge. That, too, is an all-day trip. It takes at least two hours to get there and longer if it’s in non-stop rain as we were. All of the animals are indigenous to Costa Rica, often visible in their natural habitat. These animals are being rescued from certain death and are kept by the Costa Rican Wild- Tropical Fruit life Ministry. The animals are separated by sections, beginning with the birds. My ferns don’t look like these It was exciting for me to see Toucans, Macaws, and the numbers of humming- birds. The next area was designated for plants, the likes of which can only be seen there. I scurried through the Reptile house but not before I saw a boa constrictor that had just eaten. The apes were next and, because it was raining so hard, they wouldn’t come out into the open. Finally, my favorite, the big cats, particularly the jaguars. One of them didn’t like us at all, and I had the feeling if he could have gotten to us, he would Colorful and fragrant have. Nonetheless, he was gorgeous and majestic, and I was awed by his sheer side of Costa Rica was warmer and beauty. The price of admission was had beaches of black sand. The flora around $20. Lunch could be added with caught my attention because the variety the price of admission to the Wildlife Exotic Plants of flowers and plants were so lovely. Refuge for about $10. Surprisingly, the Equally notable was the variety of peo- we were there New Year’s Eve. My food was very good, an all-you-eat can ple. The scary part was the unexpected son made last minute arrangements for buffet withe even food for a vegetari- reminder that Costa Rica is a third us, and it was my first (and last) expe- an. And there was a souvenir shop is world country with it’s own set of laws. rience in staying in a hostel. Because attached with everything from rain- Seemingly out of nowhere, a group of there were six of us, we took the entire coats, which we had to buy to coffee. police descended on the bus, stopped it, building and didn’t have to worry about Did I say coffee? They boast of being and made a number of us get off. They strangers. It wasn’t bad, but I’m too old the second best coffee in the world. had me identify my suitcase and when for hosteling with cold showers. They They’re right. I did, they put it on the ground, opened did offer us a continental breakfast. This A bonus I had not expected and searched it. To this day, I have no was a beautiful waterfall that was less 14 Affaire de Coeur The Animals of Costa Rica and a Waterfall
A trio of Parrots A Toucan
A boa constrictor
you don’t feel like doing any of that, you can always go to My favorite, the Jaguar one of the many beautiful beaches and just take it easy. There than five minutes’ drive from the Refuge that our driver knew are also so many romantic places to stay--on the edge of the about. forest, next to a waterfall, overlooking a valley. Costa Rica is There are so many things to do in Costa Rica ranging a great place to go for all ages. from hiking to zip lining to the numerous tours available. If Affaire de Coeur 15 The second Spotlight Interview is on ... Pam Binder Pam Binder is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author. Pam was the recipient of the Romantic Times 2018 Pioneers in Romance award. Pam loves travel, chocolate, and reruns of the TV series, The Highlander.
lished author and an unpublished author she gets to write it all for her readers’ is that the unpublished author stopped enjoyment. writing.” She gets her plot ideas from Personal web page: PamBinder.com asking the question, what if. What if the snow never stopped falling? What Twitter: @PamBinder183 if your best friend was immortal? What Facebook: Facebook.com/Pam-Binder if you had a magic touch and could turn everything into chocolate? She writes her stories a section at a time. For example, if she isn’t sure where she wants her story to end, she’ll write the last five chapters of the story even before she’s written the middle. Each novel is different, and each story has its own journey. She likes to create characters that have secrets. Finding the right name for her characters has to be on target in or- der for the words to flow. She knows when she doesn’t have the name right, because their dialogue doesn’t flow. A bookseller compared Pam’s Creating and developing characters with time travel novels and the way she their perfect name is a necessity for her. wove history into her stories to books The “Matchmaker Cafe” series written by Diana Gabaldon. Pam writes combines her love of travel, adven- the “Matchmaker Cafe” series, and the ture, and romance. Each story for her “Immortal Highlander” series. Her first matchmakers takes them to a new place fantasy young adult released in 2018, around the world, where they match Grace Logan and the Goblin Bones. couples, and try to find love. Being a hybrid writer, she likes Pass on some words of wisdom, to use the main scene beats in Chris- please, to aspiring authors. topher Vogler’s The Writer’s Journey, and Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat. Her Pam is a writing teacher. One of favorite thing about writing is creating the things she tell her students, “Never worlds from the ideas in her head. She give up. The difference between a pub- was a daydreamer as a child, and now 16 Affaire de Coeur Christmas Knight Excerpt A year later, she needs a date for her Penrose heirs. The family being cursed mother’s wedding, and she asks the by the powerful wizard Merlin to have same matchmaker. One problem: In the wife of any Penrose die after giving Colin Edward Penrose, a knight order to find her mystery man, she must birth, has Colin willing to give up his from fifteenth-century Glastonbury, travel through time. inheritance rather than pass the curse England, must solve the riddle of his onto his bride. But. when he meets family’s curse and marry a woman out a matchmaker who says that she has of time—or lose his ancestral home. found a way to break Merlin’s Curse by Modern day divorce lawyer finding Colin a bride out of time, Colin With a matchmaker’s help, he meets a Madeline Murphy has given up on woman to whom he feels an instant at- takes a leap of faith and prays this time, romance. Needing a date to her moth- the matchmaker is correct. traction, but he knows the curse makes er’s Christmas Eve wedding, she agrees falling in love dangerous for her. to have one of the matchmakers from Colin and Madeline begin their once Madeline Murphy, defense the Matchmaker Café set her up. Never upon a time on a quest to find the fabled attorney in a prestigious law firm, needs did she dream that a simple wedding King Arthur sword, Excalibur, and a date for her family’s Christmas Eve date would turn into an adventure of a prove once and for all that their love out party. In desperation, she turns to a lifetime…and a love affair that breaks of time will defeat Merlin’s Curse, and matchmaker for her knight in shining all the rules…and maybe, just maybe, a allow for a Penrose heir and his love to armor. The man supplied exceeds her powerful curse… live happily ever after… wildest fantasy but vanishes without a Fifteenth-century knight Sir trace. Colin Edward Penrose is the last of the Affaire de Coeur 17 Z Z L E P U R Back to School (or not) Louise B. Snead 14. Classes that are conducted online and away from the school building. Across 15. Where students eat lunch. 19. After school place for those who have misbehaved. 3. One will find the Periodic Table in this class. 21. List of classes or content of classes. 6. Class before 1st grade. 22. Teacher’s favorite student. 10. Large dark surface on which the teacher writes for all to 24. A class where angles and degrees are focused on. see. 25. A break in the classes. 11. Class where students exercise or learn sports,______27. This class is where students study numbers. education class 30. Usually use a #2 of these to write with. 16. Frogs are dissected in this class. 32. Fruit for the teacher. 17. Not on time. 33. The person the student sees when he/she hurts himself, 18. Planned adventures with teachers outside of the school, school ______. ______trip. 36. Skipping school. 20. Students carry their books in it. Answers on page 31 23. Person in charge of the classes. 26. Furniture upon which a child in school works. 28. Classes where students are taught how speak in different countries’ language. 29. This count tells who is absent. 30. ______or fail. 31. What is supposed to take place at school. 34. Most schools have these as good luck charms, especially at football games. 35. A class to study both grammar and Shakespeare. 37. The rating at the end of the semester. 38. A style of penmanship that has fallen by the wayside. 39. Vehicle that takes students to school. Down 1. Saved by it. 2. Bad behavior will end you up in the ______‘s office. 4. Students who direct traffic and some- times other students. 5. Same clothing worn by all the students 7. Helper (usually paid) when student is having trouble 8. Assignments not to be done in the class- room. 9. Apple or PC used to do school work. 12. What you need to write on #10. 13. A three-ring thing you write in. . 18 Affaire de Coeur Affaire de Coeur 19 Contemporary Romance Reviews
Going Under (Wildfire Lake #2) For KT it’s lust at first sight when she sees Ben at Skye Jordan the ER; so she pursues him even though he’s not her type. Ben, in desperate need of help with his daughter’s bunk bed, Cygnet can’t turn down her offer to help put it together. It takes him Mass Market a little longer to take her up on her other offer because while she is irresistible, he’s not sure casual sex with her would 978-8666098004 pppp be enough. While Ben and KT have legitimate conflicts in lifestyles, responsibilities, and dreams, the instant chemistry and connection between them is genuine and powerful-- Going Under, the second book in Skye Jordan’s with the unexpected potential for love, something for which ‘Wildfire Lake’ series, explores KT’s first foray into love neither is prepared. after years of fun, casual, commitment-free sex. A free-spirit, Skye’s description is vivid and character tomboy, mechanic who has sailed the world working on development is wonderful. Even the love scenes, which are cruise ships, KT is used to making her own rules and having sexy and emotional, contribute to the development of KT and her pick of attractive men to get her fill of hot sex. But since Ben and their relationship. Going Under allows the hero and she has been in Wildfire Lake with her best friends building heroine to be human but approach a relationship like grown- their new business, it hasn’t been as easy for her. Her choices ups by finding balance. Neither is treated like the bad guy or are limited, and she has a reputation to consider/protect, at victim for their choices and each takes responsibility for their least until business is stable enough for her to invest in a own choices and mistakes and that’s refreshing. Going Under sailboat and get back out on the seas to her first, and only, is a steamy, sweet, charming, and slightly angsty small-town love, sailing. contemporary romance that brilliantly flips the traditional Ben, a doctor, and father of three daughters, moved character traits/roles of the heroine and hero while exploring to town to be closer to his family and provide more support what can happen when we meet that someone with whom for his daughters and himself. Raising three daughters--two we connect with so intensely that he or she throws our whole small girls and a preteen who is going through a rough patch, world into a tailspin. and working a full-time job to provide for them isn’t easy. He Lacy Hill loves his job, but nothing in the world as much as he loves his girls for whom he’d sacrifice anything. 20 Affaire de Coeur Contemporaries Riley’s Rescue (Last Chance #6) Lexi Post Looking for a Cowboy (Heart of Texas Book Self Pub 5) E-Book B08BX6Q61F Donna Grant ppppp St. Martin’s Press
Mass Market Under your scars I pray 978-1250250063 You’re like a shooting star in the rain pppp1/2 You’re everything that feels like home to me P. I. Marlee Frampton works exclusively for families Under your scars, I could live inside you time after time whose little one had been kidnapped. Her investigation leads If you’d only let me live inside of mine Marlee to Clearview, Texas, where a couple has just adopted -Under Your Scars, Godsmack a baby. She believes he’s been stolen from his family. While Army vet Riley O’Hare has made a pact with in town, Marlee unexpectedly finds herself having dinner herself to not make any long-lasting connections--if you with Cooper Owens, the adoptive father’s good friend. don’t stay any place too long, people can’t hurt you and Cooper asks Marlee what she’s doing in town. you can’t hurt them. This has worked well for her up until As Marlee stares into his gorgeous eyes, she finds herself her stint at Last Chance Ranch. Riley has stayed way be- blurting out a question. Marlee asks if it’s possible that Brice yond usual and has concluded that this ranch is not only a and Naomi paid someone to kidnap a baby for them. Cooper haven for rescue animals, but perhaps for broken humans is outraged and storms off. Marlee knows that talking to too. the adoptive parents is a bad idea, but she has no choice. If Garrett Walker, former wildfire fighting Hot Shot, Cooper gets to the couple before Marlee does, they might is working towards beginning a new life. When his fellow disappear with the baby. Surprisingly the couple readily firefighting friend offers him employment at Last Chance agrees to a DNA test. Ranch, he decides to give it a go. But he never planned While waiting for the DNA results, Cooper discovers on running into a beautiful feisty redhead nor dream of that a group based in Clearwater has been stealing children baring his heart to another. from all over the country. Is it possible these heinous crimes Riley and Garrett find themselves in a situation have been committed right under his nose? As Cooper and most would never overcome, but together, they make each Marlee work together, they fall in love. But his home’s in other stronger. Now if only Riley can look beyond what Texas while hers is in California. And Cooper won’t leave broke her and see that she’d been so caught up in trying to his family and friends. Or will he? keep her inner scars from showing, she hadn’t recognized Although this is the continuation of a series, it can be read he might have his own. alone. It’s a very good book. Sheila Griffin Dear Reader, I am 100% in love with this sto- ry! Not going to spoil the adventure that brings Riley and Garrett together; so you will just have to snag your own copy! But let me say that these two broken souls discover so much about each other in a short time, and even when we are blinded by what is in front of us, our soul can still feel its mate. Loved and highly recommend! Sharing what I love, Veronica
Affaire de Coeur 21 Historical Romance Reviews Any Rogue Will Do (Misfits of Mayfair #1) to his friends, can’t believe his good fortune, or mayhap it is Bethany Bennett a curse. He finds himself once again in the company of the Forever beautiful Lady Charlotte. Years ago, in a drunken stupor, he E-book unintentionally hurt Lady Charlotte by calling her a ‘Paper B083SDCSJ15 Doll Princess,’ and it was just too good for the gossip rags not ppppp to publish and completely ruin her. With hat in hand, Ethan apologizes, and while not overwhelmingly accepted, Lady ‘I love you...I’m so sorry I hurt you...Go ahead and Charlotte and Ethan come to a truce which blossoms into a be angry with me. I deserve it...I’ll still love you when you’re budding friendship, and friends do tend to make the best of done with the mad.’ lovers. Lottie’s and Ethan’s story is a wonderfully written Lady Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Wentworth was dubbed the second chance romance I could not put down! There is so ‘Paper Doll Princess’ during her first Season. Fleeing the much happening within these pages, and I don’t want to give gossips of London, she finds solace in taking over the running away too much in a review! Dear Reader, be ready to add of her father’s estate. When circumstances change and Lottie this smexxy Scot to your boyfriend list! I highly recommend is faced with an ultimatum to keep her independence, she it and look forward to the next installment to the ‘Misfits of enlists the aid of her godmother to seek a husband who will Mayfair!’ allow her to keep her freedom. Never would she dream the Sharing what I love, very man who ruined her all those years ago with the nick- Veronica name ‘Paper Doll Princess’ would become the very savior she needed. Ethan Ridley, Lord Amesbury and known as ‘Mac’ 22 Affaire de Coeur The Highland Laird Amy Jarecki Forever E-Book B084FXMKS3 ppppp
“I intend to have the memory of this time with you to cherish in my heart for the rest of my days.’’ “Let the rest of our lives be an endless adventure.”
Emma Grant has lived in a cocoon of protection since the day she was born. Her brother has done all he can to ensure her safety, but even the all-powerful Robert Grant could never have predicted his sister would run off to risk life and limb to rescue his long-time friend Ciar MacDougall from the gallows for a crime he didn’t commit. Laird Ciar MacDougall finds himself facing certain death at the hands of the English. So, when he’s rescued by a wee lass and her pup, he can barely believe it, for the beautiful Emma Grant, whom he’s long held in the highest esteem, has been blind since birth. She is the last person he ever dreamed would be outside his prison cell offering him his chance at freedom. Ciar is forced to flee and go into hiding until he can prove his innocence. Emma is thrilled to finally be free and living a grand adventure with the one man who has always treated her as his equal rather than an invalid. Emma is not going to let the opportunity pass her by to tell Ciar how she feels, and offer him her heart, body and soul. Amy Jarecki’s The Highland Laird was impossible to put down! Imperfect characters are my favorites, and the author has woven a romance with a hero who isn’t necessarily swoon worthy handsome but has a kind heart, and a heroine who ‘sees’ all the good in the world and has a way of sharing her sight with those she’s around. Loved and highly recommend! Sharing what I love, Veronica
his coldness? Shadow Manor is a quick read that reminds me of the Gothic Shadow Manor (Secrets of romance novels I loved to read with Covington Corner #1) my mom. While I wish the author Dani Wade would have given just a wee bit more Self-Pub story, it appears this will be a series of E-Book novellas, and I’m looking forward to B08G7DD9C8 the next Covington Corner secret to be pppp revealed! Would recommend to fans of short smexxy romance with just a hint Once upon a time, Cara Gatlin of mystery! was in love with the boy next door Sharing what I love, until tragedy struck and the loss of his Veronica parents became her loss as well. As time passes, Cara still finds herself fantasizing about the tall, dark and mysterious Jacob Montgomery. She has been researching the Montgomery Family history and is desperate for an answer as to why he turned his back on her. As fate would have it, she finds herself invited to a masquerade ball with Jacob in attendance, and a night of passion soon turns into more questions than answers. Will Jacob once again break her heart, or is there something much more sinister behind
Affaire de Coeur 23 enough to get the heart racing, Ariana and her friends find Arizona Thunder (Vyro Creek Book 2) themselves in the middle of a vampire rebellion! Natasza Waters After a stormy start to their love affair, Ariana and Self-Pub Quinn stop fighting the chemistry between them and merge E-book to become a powerful force against those that would rise up against them and those they protect. When the truth of the 978-099525989 evil orchestrating the rebellion is brought to life, the smallest ppppp of the Connelly clan may quickly become their largest asset. Dear Reader, like most lovers of paranormal stories, over time, vampire romances tend to start sounding “Mate with me or not. Marry me or not, we are eter- the same. While enjoyable, we already see the ending nal. I love you, Ariana Holland, the woman I choose as my long before the last page. But not with the “Vyro Creek” mate. The beautiful woman who owns my un-beating heart series! Natasza Waters has written a paranormal romance and my soul.” with an all new take on the vampire legend like I’ve never After making the decision to start a fresh life, Ari- read before, and I loved every minute of it! ana and her two best friends Tess and Lynn have discovered Arizona Thunder is one of those stories you devour they may have bitten off more than just becoming ranch and don’t want to end! Writing a review for this installment owners. They are the neighbors of powerful royal vampire was difficult because there is so much action and verra verra brothers who are determined to protect the women as well as hawt vamp lovin’ going on that I didn’t want to spoil the make them their own. As if the verra smexxy brothers aren’t adventure! So just trust me and READ IT! Honestly, wish I 24 Affaire de Coeur better prepared. Do I recommend it? Oh, that's a tough one. Yes, I would recommend because it is an enjoyable story, and Paranormals I'm so rooting for Liam and Cora to get their HEA!! #Team- Liam Apologies for a rambling review, but this one was could give it more than 5 stars! difficult to summarize and put thoughts onto paper without Readers note: Do not read the books out of order. ranting over the cliffhanger. (I guess I'm still not over Again, just trust me here! You can thank me later! it.) Read and draw your own conclusions it is a good story!! Sharing what I love, Sharing what I love, Veronica Veronica
Chance of a Lifetime (Providence Falls #1) The Invisible Life of Addie Larue Jude Deveraux, Tara Sheets V. E. Schwab MIRA Tor Books E-book Hardcover B0813R9WG pppp 978-0765387561 ppp “I'm nothing but a thief, my love.” It’s 1714, and Addie Larue is a happy twenty- “So, steal me away.” three-year-old spinster. Then a widower offers to marry her. In 1844 Ireland, Liam O'Conner is a devilishly hand- Addie’s father accepts. She begs the old gods for help and some rogue and thief. He uses his charm and wits to steal one of them answers. Addie wants the freedom to make her in order to feed his extended family, Liam has never had a own choices and time to explore the world. In exchange, much of a conscience until his gang of unruly thieves set Addie agrees to give him her life when she’s done with it and their sights on robbing the squire's home and burning it to the her soul when she no longer wants it. ground. Determined to spare the man who had been kind to The god makes Addie virtually immortal. She his family when they lost their home, Liam sneaks through never ages. He also makes her forgettable. It’s literally a a window with a plan to find the squire's hidden jewels to case of ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ For example, she pays for deliver back to his thieving friends. But on the other side of a place to sleep, and the next morning the landlady doesn’t the window was a gem Liam hadn't counted on, one with a remember that Addie’s already paid. She kicks her out and soul as kind as her beauty--Cora McLeod, the squire's daugh- Addie’s homeless again. Addie makes friends only to have ter. Cora and Liam make for unlikely friends, but as they them forget her the minute she’s out of their sight. sneak time with each other, their friendship turns towards Centuries pass, and Addie is always forgotten. something much stronger, a love that will carry on from one Then she meets Henry Strauss. Henry not only remembers life to the next. Skip forward to present day Providence Addie, he falls in love with her. For the first time in 300 Falls, North Carolina. It's just Liam's luck that the woman years, someone remembers her! Of course, Addie falls for he loved was fated to be with another, and now the angels Henry. What makes him different from every other person are determined he fix his meddling with destiny. So now throughout all of history? The answer could destroy their Liam is forced to play matchmaker or his soul will forever be newly found love. damned. The Invisible Life of Addie Larue alternates between the past and the present. The flashback style of this narrative *Spoiler Alert* makes this book a disjointed muddle. Sorry to say, this Chance of a Lifetime has a major cliffhanger!! So, reviewer foud it a very disappointing offering from a very if you are looking for a complete romance with a HEA, you talented author. have been warned, it's not gonna happen! I'm assuming it Sheila Griffin will be concluded sometime in the next installments (fin- gers crossed), and I'm seriously hoping for a wee bit more romance between Cora and Liam (there is little to none in this book). Did I enjoy the story? Took me a bit to get over being peeved over the cliffhanger, and still not overly happy with so many loose threads just unraveled with no conclu- sion. (Pulling hair and using many sentence enhancers.) Ok, I'm over my tantrum, maybe. Yes, I enjoyed the story, and now that I know this series will most likely read like chapter books with no ending till the conclusion of the series, I'll be Affaire de Coeur 25 The Lumbermill Pharaoh’s Forgery (A Karina Cardinal Laya V. Smith Mystery Book #4) Black Rose Writing Ellen Butler E-Book Power to the Pen Trade Paperback Kindle e-book 978-1684335282 978-1734365009 ppp ppppp
Los Angeles private detective Augie Small, a former A tropical vacation far away from the hustle and POW who still suffers from PTSD, finds himself embroiled in bustle of lobbyist life in D.C., is just the break Karina a horrific case involving the torture of women and children, Cardinal is to take. But, when her sister has an accident, her sex trafficking, and the complicity of high level police and FBI boyfriend is away on a case and her bestie already has government officials that makes it difficult for him to trust plans, KC asks her coworker Rodrigo to tag along. And, any authorities. People tend to die around Augie--a woman when her elderly neighbor asks if KC could deliver a package he might be interested in having a relationship with, reporters to her while in Mexico, what could possibly go wrong? who might expose the conspiracies he discovers, and others Well, if you’ve been following the misadventures of who help him. Those who don’t die often find themselves in KC and her uncanny ability of finding trouble without even extreme danger. He constantly runs into Katya Tyler, who is looking, you know that what could go wrong is everything! probably Russian and who turns up at the most crucial times, An art heist, a forgery, a kidnapping and a crap weasel of a even though he can’t be sure whether she’s on his side or not. villain make for a funtastic mystery to solve! They get themselves in many a scrape trying to solve This reviewer loved and devoured Ellen Butler’s an old case Augie thought he solved many years ago. Their latest installment and is already greedy for more! Wish I last ditch, nail biting escapades take on almost superhero, could give more than five stars! comic book qualities. Reader’s Note: The author has written these The Lumbermill contains some explicit descriptions mysteries to be stand alone, and there are no cliffhangers. of horrendous acts committed against innocents and is However, to fully enjoy, I’d recommend reading in order. certainly not for the squeamish. Once the story gets going, the Sharing what I love, suspense becomes gripping, but requires a strong stomach in Veronica order to reach the conclusion. Hannah Rowan
26 Affaire de Coeur The Phantom in the Footlights (Cedar Creek Mysteries Book 3) Violet Howe MYSTERIES Self-Pub In a novel full of suspense, the characters are well E-Book drawn and easy to sympathize with, and the villains are B08BXYYB8D ppppp easy to hate. The story does seem to drag a bit and grew a bit repetitious at times. Fortunately, the author doesn't go into specific details about the acts the women are forced to “Life has a strange sense of humor sometimes.” perform, though the subject matter is disturbing enough in itself. Actress Sloan Reid, best known for her role as Hannah Rowan the Spectral Slayer, has once again found herself in the middle of a ghostly mystery. In the third installment of the “Cedar Creek” mystery series, Sloan is determined to downplay her celebrity persona and become more community minded. After all, she is secretly engaged to local Deputy Tristian Rogers; so what better way to set up roots in the town he serves and protects than to join the local community theater! Too bad the local spirit that has cursed the building has other plans! Violet Howe's “Cedar Creek” mystery series makes me wish I had connections at the Hallmark Mystery channel! Seriously! With each story, I find myself devouring the pages faster than my fav bottle of wine! Writing a review for this installment was difficult because there is so much action going on that I didn't want to spoil the mystery! So just trust me and READ IT! Highly recommend and wish I could give more than five stars!! Sharing what I love, Veronica Readers Note: This is the third book in the series, and I would recommend reading in order to thoroughly enjoy!!
The Road from Tenancingo R. Bruce Logan Black Rose Writing E-Book B08DHW2NM pppp
Based on real life crimes, the story moves from Mexico to Southern California, following the trail of sex traffickers who lure young women into situations where they are forced into a life of prostitution. Juanita Montero, a university student from a small town, is seduced by Geraldo Rojas, whose entire family lives a life of luxury earned by trafficking women. In fact, the town of Tenancincgo, an actual Mexican town, is known as a hub for providing unwilling young women for the sex trade. Juanita despairs of ever being rescued and has no luck with her efforts to escape as she is moved from a small town to a larger Mexican city and finally across the border to the US. She is ashamed for her family to learn what she has been forced to do. However, government agencies team with nonprofit organizations in a joint effort to save Juanita and capture the villainous family who are using her. Several of the rescuers have their own difficult pasts to contend with. Affaire de Coeur 27 S IO BOOK W UD REVIE A Paranoid does a good job of performing all voices. Though the revela- tion of the killer was not a surprise, I don’t hold that againsst Lisa Jackson her. Paranoid is entertaining and suspenseful. Performed by Christa Lewis Mildred Burkett Brilliance Audio Audiobook 11 cd’s Rachel 978-1491532102 Andrei Gelasimov pppp 1/2 Performed by Christopher Lane and Kate Rudd Brilliance Audio Rachel Gaston was a highschooler when her brother Audiobook, MP3 Luke was accidentally shot and killed in a game the kids were p playing. Accused of the murder, she had been acquitted, but she had never been able to get over the guilt. That had been twenty years ago, but it’s all being resurrected when one of Lucia is a cat who pees on Professor Svyaloslav the witnesses of the murder of her brother was brutally mur- Semyonvich’s couch every day. The fifty-three year old dered on the anniversary of Luke’s death. professor is almost too steeped in his own nostalgia to notice. Rachael’s already spiraling life is taking a nosedive. He goes to the Institute every day where he gives lectures Now she has divorced her husband Cade, a detective, be- no one pays heed to, and for which he is not paid. This first cause he wandered, and she’s trying to raise two teens, both segment is told in first person from the point of view of Dina, of whom are giving her a very hard time. She’s lost her job, a pregnant woman who intersperses nursery rhymes and old and a former classmate who is a journalist is doing a series adages whenever there is a pause. of articles that’s bringing Luke’s death back into the lime- The next segment is told from the Professor’s point light. Now, strange things are happening that are shaking her of view and begins at a Russian wake that he reluctantly foundation. When a second person is killed, another one of attends with Natasha, a former student now his wife. He Rachel’s classmates who was there when Luke died, Cade learns at the wake that Natasha has been having an affair and thinks there is a connection, and he’d like to be there for his that she is leaving the Professor for her current lover. Dina is family, especially for Rachel. one of the Professor’s wives, the second, Jewish one. Their Lisa Jackson never disappoints when it comes to marriage had lasted one-and one-half years, and it is her creating an environment of suspenses. The constant manipu- father’s funeral the Professor is attending. She is pregnant by lating of Rachel by her children is frustrating. Christa Lewis the Professor’s son. Rachael is, at best, confusing. I listened to it twice 28 Affaire de Coeur Audio Book Reviews
to try to get the gist of it. I found myself constantly asking, “Where is this going?” Unfortunately, I still don’t know. Mildred Burkett
Rules of Surrender Christina Dodd Performed by Karen Cass Brilliance Audio Audiobook, 8 cd’s S 978-1713530763 O BOO W ppppp DI K Viscountess Adornis Ruskin goes to the Distin- R IE guished Academy of Governesses because she is desperate. U EV The Academy is run by three single women. The Viscount- A ess needs someone to teach the rudiments of civiliity to her grandchildren whom she calls ‘savages.’ They must be acceptable by the time she hosts a reception--three months. The governess she seeks must be of strong moral fiber and unyielding determination. Charlotte Dalrumple fits that bill to a tee, as she has transformed many, but she insists upon a long-term contract. Viscount Wynter had been enslaved by pirates and sold to the Bedouins and most recently lived in Al Bahar. It is his children, Robbie and Layla that Charlotte was hired to transform. They are olive-skinned, not the alabaster usually found in England, and they had an accent. The girl Layla is proficient on a horse, and her brother Robbie loves to throw knives. But Wynter, too, is a Barbarian, totally lacking in the social skills and sometimes walks around barefooted. And, he wore an earring. Charlotte’s red hair enthralled Wynter. Now, Adornis wants Charlotte to socialize her son. Prepos- terous! Or is it? Perhaps it’s not when Adornis plies the governess with brandy. Wynter has plans of his own. He intends to marry Lady Miss Charlotte, but that’s not in her plans. When Wyn- ter tells her she’s in love with him, she is stunned. That was impossible. She can’t, however, deny she’s infatuated with him. Rules of Surrender is part of Christina Dodd’s “The Governess Brides” series, and it is a doozy! The Viscount Wynter is an underhanded guy who deviously plots to get what he wants. Karen Cass does a supurb job of doing all voices. Very entertaining. Mildred Burkett
Affaire de Coeur 29 Booty From the Other Genre
Bitcoin: Just the Facts My Travels with a Dead Man Beverley Douglas Steve Searls Self-Published Black Rose Writing E-Book E-book B08DM7ZKRQ 978-1684335121 pppp pp 1/2
This is a short primer about Bitcoin systems. It Jane Takako Wolfsheim has a brief encounter with gives a quick history and the progression from 2008 until Jorge Luis Borges. Two years later she meets him again. now; then goes into the methods of purchasing and saving it Three months after that Jane travels with Borges to Japan. someplace in the digital world for future use. They have lived there for a month, when Jane wakes up in The booklet also gives some references as to an unfamiliar room. Borges tells her that they’ve never been volatility and risks. Originally Bitcoin type currency was to Japan. It was all a dream. They have been living in Costa supposed to replace real world currencies, but has morphed Rica for six months. into a stock gamble for those inclined to take such risks. While hiking in British Columbia, Borges falls off a The author thoughtfully intimated the issues with cliff. Jane leaves him to go for help. She attempts to forge a countries such as China, who are spending big money to fast-moving river and is swept away. “mine” bitcoin to further their own agendas. Not necessarily The next thing Jane knows, it’s twenty years later. a good thing for the small Bitcoin investor. Her husband, James Lewis Borgman, III died on their The author also wisely lets the reader know there honeymoon hiking in British Columbia. Now she’s burying are no suggestions of how to invest in this venture. Unlike her son. After the funeral, Jane sees Borges, and the memory traditional stocks that have to abide with time restraints and of her previous life comes flooding back. tight regulated protocols, Bitcoin does not. It is still a bit like Borges tells Jane that she’s able to create alternate the Wild West. An immense amount of education is a must universes. Instead of traveling there physically, Jane created before any attempts are made to deal with Bitcoin. an alternate Japan. The same thing happened on the deadly This booklet tells about Bitcoin in the simplest form hike. possible. The next world Jane creates includes Borges’s Lauren Calder mother. She tells Jane that he is a monster. Jane must kill Borges to protect their unborn son and all of humanity. But how can Jane kill the man she loves? This is one of the most confusing books this reviewer has ever read. Sheila Griffin
30 Affaire de Coeur Booty
The Whistleblower’s Tune: a Memoir Hugh Giblin Black Rose Writing E-book B0886GDTBB pppp
The Whistleblower’s Tune; A Memoir begins with the upbringing of the author in Chicago. His experiences with an imperfect family life and a father with no real interest to give beyond his own interests shape his beginnings. The mafia has an influence even in his young years and he feels fortunate not to be personally mired in it.Although never in one, he didn’t escape the lessons of living in a neighborhood with gangs. Developing a strong sense of morality, he completed schooling that would get him jobs in accounting. Seeking a job with a CPA group that manages union affairs, he lands the job, partly because he was from Chicago and partially because he would be willing to play the part they expected. The author discovers a mountain of impropriety in the loss of the union members’ contributions, and it gets worse the longer he looks. This bothers him exceedingly, and he begins the hunt for the paper bullet that would sink the rampant dishonesty that was so deeply entrenched. During the author’s career he traveled as some accountants do, which made him a more private individual through much of his life. His research taught him much of the organized crime and those who would not ask questions about the wealth that came to them for their complicity. The author takes you on quite a few adventures and gives the reasons for his actions. His advice for whistleblowers will go hand-in-hand with the experiences laid out in this book. People take on this responsibility for different reasons, but none of those reasons lessens the difficulties involved. It’s relatively easy to read the story, with a few characters having a continuous presence. There is a lot of detail to keep track of, understandably, it will take some focus to remember the relationships presented. Lauren Calder
Affaire de Coeur 31
(Those that didn’t make the last issue.)
Ancient Enemy (Ancients Rising #2) the baby dragon whose relationship with Dallas is lovely. Katie Reus The villainess who murdered Rhys’ sister is a witch. Rhys KR Press, LLCE understandably hates witches and cannot understand why he’s E-book so drawn to Dallas. As her bodyguard, Rhys sees her at her 978-1635561463 most vulnerable and her most powerful moments. The further ppppp development of the relationship between King and Aurora was well done.
Ancient Enemy is another exciting, and steamy Ancient Enemy is Katie Reus’ follow up to The paranormal romance by Reus that was hard to put down. The Ancient Protector (See review alphabetically after this one) in biggest takeaway is realizing that if you don’t learn how to the new “Ancients Rising” series. Not only is this one filled let go of your anger and hate, it can keep you from healing, with Reus’ wonderful description and character development, moving on, and living the full life you were meant to live it has even more magic and an adorable baby dragon who and being open to receiving acceptance and love for who we steals an angry, vengeful, and closed off dragon’s heart. One are without hiding the parts we think others may fear or not thing about Reus’ books is that they lean toward being dark love. Readers will be so excited for the next book! or deal with intense/dark subject matter. But the author does Lacy Hill a great job of writing those scenes yet balancing them with the other elements of the story. In Ancient Enemy, Willow as Dallas’ pet baby dragon added sweet and lighter moments to the novel, in contrast to the intense, and disturbing content. Ancient Protector (Ancients Rising #1) Rhys is an ancient dragon shifter who awakens from Katie Reus hibernation still driven to avenge his sister’s murder by a KR Press, LLC witch practicing dark magic. Following her scent, he finds E-book himself in New Orleans with King, Alpha of New Orleans, B084KJ8PRF and his pack with Aurora working at his side. They are pppp working on ways to increase the food sources around the city and seeks out the help of Dallas Kinley, a witch, because Ancient Protector is the first book in Katie Reus’ new of her reputation and success with her farm. King assigns “Ancients Rising” series, which looks promising. Readers Rhys to be her bodyguard to keep her safe as vampires and will love the action, suspense, romance, and world building. humans are being murdered in the city. Willow agrees to help Like Reus' other books, the novel is full of secrets, twists, and Rhys find the witch as well as missing humans and vampires, turns that will keep readers glued to the pages. hoping to save them. Ancient Protector starts out low key enough with Each of the characters and their conflicts are our heroine Starling (Star), a world renown singer/rock star, developed. Most of all, readers can’t help but love Willow preparing for a concert at a powerful Alpha dragon's estate. 32 Affaire de Coeur But it was more than just another performance for Star and her band. It was the fruition of a year-in-the-making plan to rescue her sister Aurora, who has been kidnapped by Oscar and has been held prisoner at his estate for a year. Lachlan is an alpha dragon recently awakened from hibernation and drawn to Star first by her beautiful voice and more intensely as he learns all he can about her. For reasons he can't explain, with the old man's malevolence, who clearly shouldn't be he seeks her out at the auction and bids on her. When Aurora's anywhere near an impressionable young boy. Al's relationship rescue appears it might fail, Lachlan helps them escape by with the old miner is pivotal to the story. Other characters joining them in the ensuing firefight with Star's pursuers. fall short in their development, including Al's parents. Parts Several weeks later the world changes for supernatural of the storyline are awkward and unnecessary, jumble up beings, and humans as wicked dragons kill billions of humans the narrative, and lead to a messy, unsatisfying conclusion. and supernaturals and wipe out much of the world while Despite the young protagonist, this book is for mature attempting to take it over. Star, Aurora, and her band flee to readers. Adult language and descriptive violence, along with New Orleans, which was not totally destroyed by the dragon sensitive content, make it unsuitable for a younger audience. attacks and is being rebuilt by an alpha wolf and his pack. Danielle Hill Once he's able to find her, Lachlan follows them there just to be near her. Lush description brings the devastated world and To Catch an Earl (Bow Street Bachelors #2) the characters off the pages and to life.Ancient Protector has Kate Bateman a diverse cast of characters, who are well-developed. Star's St. Martin’s Press band is a group of misfit shifters who have known each other since childhood. They are “ride-or-die,” which is why they Mass Market are more than willing to sacrifice and put their lives on the 978-1250306111 line to rescue Aurora. Lachlan went into hibernation after pppp losing his mate. He never expected to have a second chance at having one, but he cannot stay away from Star, especially when someone attacks her. Much to her displeasure, he Tired of loving Alexander Harland from afar and declares himself her protector and won't leave her side. Star galvanized by his imminent departure for war, Emmy wants to be cold and uninterested in Lachlan, but he excites Danvers takes the chance to get close to him for one night. At her. She's also been having strange dreams of herself with a a masquerade ball, she boldly asks for a dance, steals a kiss faceless man in the past, that feel real. from him, and flees. That's as close as she can ever get to him The world-building is gradual, as the author adds pieces bit by bit, leaving out information about how the world because she is the Nightjar, an infamous jewel thief. A normal was faring now. More specific detail about just which parts life is not for her because of the secrets she must keep, and, were totally destroyed and others that escaped that fate would of course, her secret identity. But Emmy doesn't want just any have been nice. Readers won't be able to wait to see where man, she wants only one man, the one she can never have. this series takes us. Whether he is a Bow Street Agent or Earl of Melton, Lacy Hill Alex always gets his man or woman, leaving no case unsolved. But the one mystery he desperately needs answers to is the one he has been unable to solve--the identity of the beautiful, wonderfully scented woman who stole a kiss The Mouth of the Mine and his heart from him at the masquerade ball, leaving him Caleb Posten longing for her, still, after all these years. Alex is assigned to Black Rose Writing investigate the Nightjar and jewel thefts in London, which E-book sets his and Emmy's lives into a game of catch me if you can. 978-1684335343 Bateman's description is wonderfully vibrant and rich pp 1/2 with detail, bringing the characters and their world to life. Ten-year-old Alastair “Al” Evans and his parents, As Emmy and her brother carry out jewel thefts and Alex Wayne and Anita, escape New York’s rat race by settling figures out how the Nightjar pulled off the thefts, we learn in Jackson, Wyoming. The Evans buy a large house on more about the characters and what drives them. Emmy's and the outskirts abutting public land near the Grand Teton Alex's paths keep crossing. mountains. Al’s curious explorations lead him to a To Catch an Earl is a thrilling historical romance that mysterious mine, ruthlessly guarded by an anachronistic, perfectly balances adventure, suspense, and steamy romance unpleasant, sinister old man. He's willing to cut Al in on his in a Regency caper where the jewel thief is the heroine. As a stake as long as Al becomes his obedient protégé. Al falls under his dark spell and that of the miner's hoarded prize with bonus, the story weaves in history about priceless jewels and its preternatural, corrupting power. Can Al break free before the international conflicts between nations battling to possess it's too late? them. The Mouth of the Mine is a suspenseful read, leaving Lacy Hill the reader guessing what will happen next. The page seethes Affaire de Coeur 33 Alphabet of Black Cultures Granny and Danny Aren’t Bored Anymore Jeffrey Daniels Emmy Taylor Sleeping Elephant Home-N-Stars E-Book E-Book BO8F7W92MR B08CZ7CWVZ ppp ppppp Danny was bored and being difficult. A is for apple--not today; A is for awale and it goes Granny was bored. on from there. An alphabet of Black culture that introduces Both were complaining a lot. So they complained the reader to African heritage, each letter represents together. After a while, they started doing things together something specific about the different cultures from Africa. over the phone. Both learned how much fun it could be. Fantastic! This is a cute little story that first readers can enjoy, This reader was thrilled to open the pages of this or can be read to younger children who cannot read yet. book. It may be written for children in mind, but I, a self- Lauren Calder admitted adult, loved it! Lauren Calder
34 Affaire de Coeur Tony and His Mythical Friends By Jessisca Valentin Illustrated by Stephanie Richoll Independently Published Paperback 979-8657778021 ppp
Tony and his friends return to the camp they went to last year. Nothing has changed much except his friends are bigger. Their first night after everyone falls asleep, he sees a light in the woods and follows it. The light takes him to another camp where the tents are different, and the occupants The Little Ouch even more so. There he meets a Bigfoot, an Alicorn, a Katherine Picarde Cyclops, a Leprechaun, a Faun and a mermaid. They think Mascot Books it’s odd because usually no one can see them. Why can Hardcover Tony? 978-1645434368 Tony freely interacts with them until he finally falls pppp 2 asleep and they take him home. He wonders how he got back and when he tries to find them again, he can’t. Where could Penelope had to get her annual flu shot and, like most they have gone? Or, was it all just a dream? children, she absolutely rebelled against it. Temper tantrums Tony and His Mythical Friends is a book that pre- galore! She despised getting the shot, and misbehaved at school and early school-aged children up to about third the doctor’s office. Her father was not happy. But, the nurse grade will like. The set-up of the book is such that the words knew exactly what to do! This was an absolutely cute story (which could have been larger) were on one page, and on the and perfect for this time of year. I highly recommended for a opposite page was a full-page illustration so they won’t get children’s bookshelf read! bored as they read. The story itself was okay. The illustations Lauren Calder were good. This reviewer cannot image children getting excited over it, but it’s not scary and it urges the child to use his/her imagination. The concept of meeting and accepting others who are not like you was a subtle underlying theme. Mildred Snead
Affaire de Coeur 35 36 Affaire de Coeur